Gone Fishing

A large marlin was recently caught off the Hayman coast marking the beginning of the game fishing season.

The Northern Queensland coast is considered the world capital of black marlin fishing and spring is the best time for catching these sought after fish.

Last week, Captain Dan Ardern took a father and son out for their first fishing trip on Hayman’s fishing boat, The Sun Aura.

“We went out to a spot that’s known for marlin but initially we didn’t have any luck,” said Captain Dan.

Captain Dan made an executive decision to try their luck at a premier mackerel spot instead – and that’s when the tides turned, so to speak.

The amateur fishermen were reeling in the mackerel with ease when they spotted a marlin leap out of the water.

They pulled the boat closer until the anglers managed to hook it.

“They were fighting with it for a good fifteen minutes,” said Captain Dan.

Marlin is one of the most prized species for game fisherman because of their size and power.

“You can’t bring in a big fish like that by just reeling it in; you have to be patient. You’ll get some line in then the fish will pull it back. Eventually the fish will get tired enough for you to bring in.”

It was worth the effort. Over two metres long and weighing about forty kilos, the black marlin was a beauty.